Daily News Archives - Page 8 of 59

Unlocking the Full Potential of GCCs: The Strategic Power of Cultural Integration

As India continues to cement its reputation as the global capital for Global Capability Centers (GCCs), a new strategic imperative is emerging—cultural integration. While talent, technology, and cost arbitrage remain key, it is the cultural maturity of these centers that now determines enterprise-wide success.

In a groundbreaking new whitepaper, SRKay Consulting Group makes a compelling case for why cultural intelligence must be embedded into the operational core of every GCC. Their research reveals a clear business truth: culture is no longer a soft metric—it is a measurable, high-ROI performance driver.

“Embedding cultural intelligence is no longer a peripheral initiative—it’s a strategic lever that powers agility, R&D effectiveness, and global alignment across mature GCCs in India.“— Santosh Panicker, Chief Operating Officer, SRKay Consulting Group

GCCs Are Evolving—But Culture Is Lagging

Today’s GCCs are innovation centers, managing high impact workstreams in AI, advanced analytics, and digital transformation. Yet despite this strategic evolution, many centers still struggle with the hidden costs of cultural misalignment—delayed decision-making, compliance breakdowns, communication issues, and talent attrition.

SRKay’s study, which surveyed 301 leaders across C-suite, engineering, and HR functions, found:

– 60% of Tech & IT leaders report compliance delays due to governance models misaligned with local culture.
– 65% of aviation GCCs face productivity bottlenecks from clashes between global standardization and regional work styles.
– 55–60% of engineering heads cite persistent execution hurdles caused by poor cultural synergy.

Introducing the 5-Stage Cultural Maturity Model

To tackle these gaps, SRKay proposes a 5-Stage Cultural Maturity Model, guiding GCCs from reactive problem-solving to fully institutionalized cultural fluency. The model aligns with frameworks such as Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and Trompenaars’ Model, enabling GCCs to diagnose and address issues around hierarchy, communication styles, decision-making, and feedback protocols.

This shift, SRKay argues, transforms culture from an HR initiative into a business-critical operating system.

“GCCs in India now function as strategic enablers, collaborating directly with global teams on breakthrough projects.”
— Darshil Dholakia, Director of Business Operations, SRKay Consulting Group

From Metrics to Meaning: Operationalizing Culture

Mature GCCs are already embedding culture into dashboards and governance scorecards:

– Cross-Team Collaboration Index: Quality of interaction between HQ and GCCs

– Resolution Turnaround Time: Speed of resolving culturally driven issues

– Culture NPS: Sentiment on inclusion and trust

These metrics are bolstered by AI-driven tools—sentiment intelligence, immersive VR learning for leadership alignment, and cultural playbooks embedded in collaboration platforms.

“Mature GCCs in India use culture as a source of operational excellence and innovation. Embedding culture transforms it into a competitive differentiator.”
— Alok Kumar, Founder & Managing Director, SRKay Consulting Group

Culture-Led Growth: The Future of GCCs in India

By 2030, India’s GCC market is expected to reach USD 110 billion. This growth won’t be driven by headcount alone—but by how effectively centers adopt cross-cultural collaboration, AI-enabled integration, and inclusive leadership.

“The next generation of GCCs in India will be led by executives who view cultural competence not as an HR initiative—but as a core business driver.”
— Vivek Dubey, Head of Strategic Consulting, SRKay Consulting Group

Download the Whitepaper Now

Unlocking the Full Potential of GCCs: The Strategic Power of Cultural Integration

About SRKay Consulting Group

SRKay Consulting Group is a global consulting firm that helps companies expand into emerging markets like India through data-led strategies, market entry advisory, and operational consulting. With deep expertise in regulatory compliance, digital infrastructure, and supply chain localization, SRKay is the trusted partner for Southeast Asian firms entering India.

For expert consultation and partnership opportunities, connect with:
Contact Information
Komaldeep Kaur
Email: Komal@mianext.com

Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Marks First Anniversary with New Partnerships, Scholarships and Expanded Programs

BlackBerry expands CCOE Curriculum with free cybersecurity training for women, students, government and low-access communities, fostering a more inclusive and skilled cyber workforce

BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) today announced several new initiatives in support of the Government of Malaysia’s efforts to upskill and grow local talent and foster diversity in the nation’s fast growing cybersecurity sector. To mark the 12-month anniversary of the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE), BlackBerry is providing scholarships for cybersecurity training to numerous women cyber-defenders, people with limited access to education and qualifications, as well as university lecturers and students.

At a ceremony and open day in Cyberjaya today, BlackBerry also revealed it will soon be introducing EC Council Learning, an enhanced cybersecurity skill development platform to expand the CCoE’s comprehensive curriculum with self-paced learning model for Malaysian Government employees, helping more men and women to complete courses in their own time. The hybrid cybersecurity program, featuring online and in-person modules, is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Just over a year ago, Malaysia envisioned the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence as a global hub for workforce training, skill development and intelligence-sharing. Today, through partnerships with BlackBerry, ASEAN and global leaders, the nation is advancing this mission-equipping Malaysians with critical cyber-skills to boost capacity, inclusivity and defense against digital threats.

Over 40% of attendees at the Malaysia CCoE last year were women, reflecting positive diversity in the nation’s cybersecurity sector. To build on this progress and create more opportunities for all, BlackBerry is expanding its partnership with the ISC2 Malaysia Chapter to offer 50 scholarships for Malaysian women to access specialized training at the CCoE. The flexible program will include in-person and online courses from June to July 2025, with recruitment starting this month. In addition, BlackBerry is working with 42KL, a tuition-free, self-paced computer science academy, to sponsor 25 CompTIA ITF+ certifications for individuals with limited access to traditional education opportunities.

This news follows the recently announced partnership with Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) to launch the CyberNext Program, a national initiative designed to equip Malaysian students and educators with essential cybersecurity skills. In Phase One of the partnership, BlackBerry and TalentCorp, together with training partners ISC2 and CompTIA, are offering free cybersecurity training for 1,000 students and 250 lecturers at the world-class facility, commencing from July.

Senior Vice President for BlackBerry Secure Communications in APAC, Tash Stamatelos said, “In collaboration with the Government of Malaysia, we are proud to witness the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) thrive in its first year-strengthening partnerships, expanding programs, and offering scholarships that help to build digital human capital and support diversity in the cybersecurity sector. As a hub for learning, training, and collaboration, the CCoE is laying a strong foundation for cross-border and cross-sector engagement, advancing Malaysia’s ambition to lead in cybersecurity excellence across ASEAN.”

Jodi Robinson, High Commissioner of Canada to Malaysia, said “In late 2024, the Government of Canada pledged a $3.9M CAD investment in cybersecurity skills training programs at the Malaysia CCoE, to be implemented by the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and BlackBerry – a clear example of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy in action. On this first anniversary, I commend the progress the Malaysian Government, BlackBerry, and its partners are making at the CCoE in addressing the critical shortage of cyber skills and advancing diversity in the sector. I look forward to the CCoE developing into a hub of regional cybersecurity excellence in Southeast Asia.”

For more information on the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and the courses available, please visit here. To register for interest in the ISC2 scholarships for women, please visit here. To find out more about 42KL, please visit here.

About BlackBerry
BlackBerry (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) provides enterprises and governments the intelligent software and services that power the world around us. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company’s high-performance foundational software enables major automakers and industrial giants alike to unlock transformative applications, drive new revenue streams and launch innovative business models, all without sacrificing safety, security, and reliability. With a deep heritage in Secure Communications, BlackBerry delivers operational resiliency with a comprehensive, highly secure, and extensively certified portfolio for mobile fortification, mission-critical communications, and critical events management.

For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry.

Trademarks, including but not limited to BLACKBERRY and EMBLEM Design, are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, and the exclusive rights to such trademarks are expressly reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.

Media Contacts:
BlackBerry Media Relations
+1 (519) 597-7273
mediarelations@BlackBerry.com

SOURCE: BlackBerry

Thailand, Led by DPM Prasert, to Showcase Leadership in Hosting the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025

H.E. Prasert Chanruangthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), is spearheading Thailand’s efforts as the principal host for the global academic conference “The 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025.” This prestigious event will be held from June 24-27, 2025, at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok.

The conference is being organized under the leadership of three major Thai ministries – the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), the Ministry of Education (MOE), and UNESCO – which have joined forces to create this significant platform. The forum will bring together leaders, representatives, experts, and academics from 194 UNESCO member states to exchange perspectives, share knowledge and critical information, and develop visionary frameworks that will establish the foundation for ethical AI frameworks that are transparent, fair, and respectful of human rights in accordance with international standards, specifically the ‘UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.’ This collaborative effort aims to translate principles into concrete and sustainable practices, ensuring AI development proceeds in a direction that is genuinely responsible to global society.

The conference will feature high-level policy discussions focusing on crucial topics including: human rights and balancing innovation with personal data protection in the digital era; AI policy, standards and transparent, accountable, and responsible practices; AI and the future of education, leading to transformative learning that increases opportunities; driving AI innovation and reducing inequality; and AI and the future of work, advancing sustainable digital economic development.

“Thailand is not only prepared to serve as the host country but is also ready to advance as a leader in AI ethics alongside the global community,” stated H.E. Prasert Chanruangthong

“We are eager to demonstrate our potential through a proactive role in advancing ethical considerations and AI governance policies that align with international standards. Additionally, we will present the direction of the AI Governance Practice Center, the first center for developing AI Governance capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region, which aims to promote international cooperation and accelerate the development of AI guidelines and standards in accordance with ethical principles and governance following UNESCO guidelines across numerous countries.”

In addition to the formal proceedings, conference participants will have the opportunity to experience and learn about the beauty of Thai culture up close. This includes immersing themselves in the grandeur of World Heritage sites, witnessing artistic expressions of the Thai spirit, and experiencing a lifestyle filled with unique charm. These cultural experiences not only reflect Thailand’s proud identity but also represent a significant opportunity to showcase the country’s soft power to an international audience, which will contribute to creating economic value for local areas in the future.

Beyond the main conference, the event will feature diverse and engaging side events to encourage broader participation from educational institutions, academics, and interested experts through various activities under “Bangkok AI Week 2025.” These include AI Pitching events from educational institutions, such as the “Beyond Green AI for a Thriving Future Pitch Competition” organized by the AI Engineering Institute (AIEI) and CMKL University, as well as the “Call for Papers – UNESCO Global Forum on Ethics of AI 2025” hosted by Burapha University. These side events will provide a platform for academics and experts to submit papers on ethics, governance, and sustainability related to AI, which will be presented and discussed in dedicated sessions, contributing to the establishment of ‘A Landmark in AI ethics and policy’ in Thailand.

For more information, please visit the official website at https://www.globalforumethicsai.com/ or follow the Facebook page ETDA Thailand. https://www.facebook.com/ETDA.Thailand

Seven HKTDC mega events attract some 100,000 global buyers

– Lifestyle and licensing trade fairs foster cross-sector business opportunities
– strengthen resilience and expand market horizons

– The seven lifestyle and licensing events organised by the HKTDC concluded successfully today, with buyer numbers increasing across all exhibitions and some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions attending in total
– Non-local buyers came primarily from Mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia, underscoring Hong Kong’s influence as an international trade platform
– On-site surveys conducted at the events indicated that nearly half of respondents (49.2%) expected overall sales to rise in the next one to two years

The seven large-scale trade events organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), covering lifestyle products and licensing opportunities, concluded successfully today, with buyer numbers increasing across all exhibitions and some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions attending for on-site purchasing and business negotiations. Among the lifestyle fairs, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair recorded some 36,000 buyers, Home InStyle attracted over 20,000 buyers, Fashion InStyle drew over 11,000 buyers, while the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong saw over 11,000 buyers attend the concurrent events. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) attracted over 20,000 buyers, and the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) featured nearly 20 international licensing industry leaders as speakers. Non-local buyers at the six fairs came primarily from Mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia, highlighting Hong Kong’s influence as an international trade platform.

Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “The seven major events held by the HKTDC in late April brought together some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Despite the current challenges in the global economic and trade environment, we actively attracted buyers to our fairs to enhance trade resilience and assist exhibitors in gaining a foothold in new markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN regions. The HKTDC remains committed to promoting cross-sector and international trade cooperation among exhibitors, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international trade hub and showcasing its unique advantage in building connections regionally and globally.”

Nearly half of respondents forecast sales growth
To gain deeper insights into current trends in the lifestyle products industry, the HKTDC conducted a survey of 1,583 exhibitors and buyers at the Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle. Key market overview and product trends include:

– Nearly half of respondents (49.2%) expected their overall sales would rise in the next one to two years, while 44.5% foresaw that sales will remain stable. The greatest challenges identified were growing protectionist measures (45.7%), fluctuations in the global economy (43.3%) and the impact of inflation (32.0%).
– Respondents believed sales prospects are promising or very promising over the next two years in Mainland China (77.3%), India (74.2%), Taiwan (67.6%), Republic of Korea (66.4%) and ASEAN countries (65.8%).
– The following are the markets that the respondents are actively exploring: Europe (30.5%), ASEAN countries (17.2%), Japan (13.1%), North America (12.3%) and Republic of Korea (9.5%).
– In the gifts and premium market, respondents believed cultural gifts (17.6%), tech gifts (17.0%) and fashion accessories (16.9%) had the most growth potential.
– In the furniture and houseware market, smart home technology (21.0%), designer furniture and houseware products (17.0%) and kitchenware and tableware (15.7%) were considered to have the most growth potential.
– Respondents identified womenswear (40.3%), urban clothing (39.1%), and fashion accessories (32.0%) as having the most growth potential in the fashion market.

Concurrent mega events create synergies and promote new market opportunities
The seven concurrent events this year, spanning gifts, houseware, fashion, printing and packaging and IP licensing, helped to foster cross-industry collaboration for exhibitors and buyers. Jimmy Lo, Business Strategy Manager of Homelover Products Limited, a Hong Kong exhibitor at Home InStyle, said: “The number of new buyers visiting our booth has doubled over last year, coming mainly from Asia, the Middle East and South America. The fair attracted fashion buyers and also drew a children’s product exhibitor’s interest in partnering with us to develop eco-friendly tableware. It is expected that this fair will bring us approximately US$100,000 in sales.”

A German buyer at the Gifts & Premium Fair, Michael Baumann, a partner in Know How International GmbH & Co KG, said: “I sourced products from India, Vietnam and Bangladesh as souvenirs and giveaways for the European football league. Additionally, I identified a sports bag supplier and a recycled paper box supplier from Mainland China, as well as a metal souvenir supplier from Hong Kong, with a potential total order value of approximately US$2.3 million to US$2.8 million. I am also highly interested in the licensed animated characters from a mainland exhibitor, with a potential order value of up to US$600,000.”

In response to global trade challenges, exhibitors are prioritising market diversification and actively pursuing new customer acquisition. Hong Kong exhibitor Moral Team Holdings Ltd has participated in the Gifts & Premium Fair for 17 years, focusing on the development of eco-friendly bag products. The company’s Marketing & Ecommerce Manager, Charlotte Chui, said: “The new US tariff policies have impacted 10% of our export share, prompting us to focus more on the Asian market at this stage. The Gifts & Premium Fair has provided us with a platform to connect with buyers from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. Our mid- to long-term plan is expanding into the Australian and European markets. The concurrent fairs have attracted interest from fashion and houseware buyers. On the first day alone, we secured several orders from the Asian market and anticipate achieving total sales of over US$500,000 at the fair.”

Fairs drive the development of high-value cultural and creative industries
Cultural and creative products that combine design and functionality are attracting significant attention from buyers. Stanley Kwok, Director of KnitWarm Ltd, a Hong Kong exhibitor at Home InStyle, said “We showcased our patented heat-conductive smart textile technology products in the Cultural and Creative Avenue and Gerontech Living Pavilion. Buyers from Japan, Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and the US, as well as social workers in Hong Kong, have expressed interest in our four-in-one warmer blanket cushions and warmer band series. We are confident that the fair will generate at least US$200,000 in sales for our company.” Taiwan buyer William Wu, owner of Royal Best Group Corp, said: “I was impressed by the home trends highlighted in the collaboration between the Cultural and Creative Avenue and Pantone. I connected with exhibitors from the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Hong Kong and more, and plan to make purchases of houseware products totalling US$50,000 to US$100,000 this year. I’m particularly interested in the Czech incense stick holder and look forward to future collaboration opportunities.”

Global new materials at Fashion InStyle drive cross-sector interest
This year saw the launch of NEXT@Fashion InStyle at Fashion InStyle a new highlighted zone organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government. Han Chong, founder and creative director of Self-Portrait, joined as the zone’s ambassador. NEXT@Fashion InStyle was dedicated to establishing a collaborative platform for sustainable and new materials for buyers and exhibitors, as well as designer brands, successfully connecting a buyer from Malaysia, Richard Tsen, founder of CollbStore, with Indonesian exhibitor PT Miko Bahtera Nusantara (MYCL). Mr Tsen said: “I am very interested in the company’s mushroom leather material and was amazed by its solidness and coating after the baking process. This inspired me to apply it to my designer label. I also referred them to the Malaysian Furniture Design Institute to let them explore the creation of mushroom leather furniture. I believe it has the potential to make a significant impact and resonate within the Malaysian and wider Asian market.”

Mary Ma, owner-principal of Textile Library, a mainland exhibitor at Fashion InStyle, expressed keen interest in leveraging the exhibition to explore establishing a base in Hong Kong. She said: “Hong Kong is a vibrant crossroads where eastern and western cultures meet. It connects factories across Southeast Asia and attracts European and American buyers.” Chinamind Next Interculture Group, the parent company of renowned fashion industry publication WWD China, also recognised the strategic advantages of Hong Kong as a gateway connecting the mainland with the world, signing a memorandum of understanding with the HKTDC during the fair.

Diverse creativity unlocks new licensing opportunities

Chengdu Chenghau Butterflies Huatian Culture Development Co Ltd, one of the exhibitors at the HKILS, signed a cooperation agreement with Sureka.Z Limited worth RMB2 million during the show. The former granted Sureka.Z Limited the performance rights for 10 shows of Panda the Musical in Hong Kong and Macao. At the ALC, meanwhile, leaders from the industry shared their insights on the trends and opportunities in the creative industry. Gabriel Kwong, Panda IP Creator, Ocean Park Hong Kong and Co-Founder of Air World Limited said: “Our edge is being able to see the world from a panda’s perspective, and as a park that raises pandas we can immediately gather real-life materials and transform them into IP content. The interplay between reality and virtual elements makes our IP increasingly entertaining.”

The Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong also created business opportunities for the industry. Zahoor A Qurashi, CEO of Regal Pack, a buyer from the UK, shared: “The fair featured a wide range of sustainable products, including luxury options such as skincare and perfume packaging, as well as ribbons, alongside practical everyday solutions like food and beverage packaging. I placed an order worth US$80,000 with one supplier and am optimistic about future collaborations. Additionally, I made an initial order of US$40,000 with another supplier for heat-expandable cups, which has the potential to grow significantly, possibly reaching US$1 million.”

Seamless online-offline integration drives business engagement
The seven events adopted the EXHIBITION+ online-offline integrated model, enabling buyers to continue discussions with exhibitors online during and after the fairs, extending business interactions beyond the physical event.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/44bMnph

Websites

HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkgiftspremiumfair/en
Home InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/homeinstyle/en
Fashion InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/fashioninstyle/en
Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkprintpackfair/en
DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong: https://www.hktdc.com/event/deluxeprintpackhk/en
Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Home InStyle
Fraser Li	Tel: (852) 2584 4369	Email: fraser.li@hktdc.org
Fashion InStyle
Serena Cheung	Tel: (852) 2584 4272	Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
HK Gifts & Premium Fair, HK International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong
Winnie Kan	Tel: (852) 2584 4055	Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.org
HK International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference
Katy Wong	Tel: (852) 2584 4524	Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Emphasizes: ‘No Hajj Without a Permit’

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is the official government entity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia responsible for regulating and overseeing the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Its mandate includes organizing pilgrimage operations, ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims, and enforcing relevant policies. This announcement clarifies the Ministry’s position on the mandatory requirement of Hajj permits for domestic pilgrims and Hajj visas for international visitors in order to ensure an orderly and secure pilgrimage experience.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has affirmed that the performance of Hajj rituals will only be permissible through adherence to the necessary regulations and laws, specifically by obtaining a Hajj permit for domestic pilgrims and a Hajj visa for pilgrims from abroad.

The Ministry indicated that this requirement aims to foster a culture of compliance with regulations, which will, in turn, facilitate the Hajj rituals with ease and tranquility. This is being achieved in collaboration with the embassies of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, media offices, and Hajj and Umrah offices in various countries worldwide to ensure comprehensive and effective outreach.

Through its continuous efforts, the Ministry seeks to guarantee the smooth, safe, and easy performance of the Hajj pilgrimage by organizing pilgrim numbers, efficiently implementing field plans, and improving the quality of services provided to pilgrims. This contributes to enhancing the Hajj experience and achieving pilgrim satisfaction through strict adherence to the necessary permits.

For more information, visit the Ministry’s official website: https://www.haj.gov.sa.

Contact Information
Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
Ministry
care@haj.gov.sa
+966920002814

SOURCE: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

HKTDC’s April lifestyle fairs open today

– Showcasing cultural and creative design excellence for gifts and home products
– and sustainable trends in the fashion and packaging sectors

– Five HKTDC trade fairs kick off today, including the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, while two major licensing events, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference, will begin tomorrow
– Celebrating its 40th edition, the Gifts & Premium Fair showcases creative and functional products, with award-winning entries from the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards highlighting local design talent
– Home InStyle introduces the Gerontech Living Pavilion and expands its upgraded Cultural and Creative Avenue, welcoming first-time exhibitors from the Czech Republic
– Fashion InStyle’s new highlighted zone, NEXT@Fashion InStyle, features advanced fashion materials from over 60 global suppliers, with renowned international fashion designer and Self-Portrait brand founder Han Chong joining as ambassador
– The two packaging fairs present printing and packaging solutions that balance sustainability and smart design, aligning with market trends

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) launches its diverse lineup of lifestyle exhibitions today, with the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle opening at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong beginning at AsiaWorld-Expo.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: “Hong Kong’s exports of gifts, home products, fashion items and packaging solutions are increasingly targeting the mid-to-high-end market, transitioning from original equipment manufacturing to original design. The HKTDC remains committed to supporting exhibitors’ needs to help them upgrade and transform their businesses, while enhancing the overall quality of our exhibitions to provide a premier platform for cultural and creative design that can reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a leading regional creative hub. This year’s lifestyle fairs are being held together in late April to offer buyers a one-stop, diverse sourcing experience, helping industry players explore cross-sector and cross-disciplinary business opportunities and creating synergies.”

The 2025 lifestyle fairs and conferences have attracted some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, including Mainland China and Hong Kong, as well as Australia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand from the Asia-Pacific region, and Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United States from the European and North American regions. Fashion InStyle will welcome first-time exhibitors from Austria and the UK, while the Printing & Packaging Fair will feature a new participant from Cambodia, reflecting the global business community’s confidence in Hong Kong’s exhibition platform.

Creative designs unlock business opportunities, Gifts Fair embraces blind box trend
The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair marks its 40th edition in 2025 with the theme “Celebrating Four Decades of Wonder”, showcasing products that blend functionality with creative design. This year, some exhibitors are tapping into the popular blind box trend. The Jiangxi Province Jingdezhen Pavilion introduces ceramic works that use the blind box model to nurture the next generation of designers and artisans. Hong Kong exhibitor Soap Studio Company Limited showcases blind boxes featuring the popular Japanese character SHO-CHAN and Disney’s Toy Story character Aliens (Booth: HKCEC 1C-E03). Another Hong Kong exhibitor, Star Industrial Co Ltd, presents blind boxes from its Red A brand (Booth: HKCEC 1C-G03).

To showcase Hong Kong’s original design talent to the world, 65 award-winning works from the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards 2025, organised by the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association, are on display at the Gifts & Premium Fair (Booth: HKCEC 5C-C02). In addition, Wei Yit Vacuum Flask Manufactory Ltd, a Hong Kong-based company with 85 years of heritage, is leveraging the fair to expand its flagship Camel-brand glass flasks into overseas markets (Booth: HKCEC 1C-E02).

The Cultural and Creative Avenue at Home InStyle has been upgraded and expanded this year, featuring more than 100 exhibitors from nine countries and regions including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan and the UK. First-time exhibitors from the Czech Republic are showcasing Bohemian crystal glassware, home fragrances and incense (Booth: HKCEC 5E-M07, M09), while Hong Kong exhibitor Canalside Studio presents its innovative “Ball Bearing Bench” that combines a doughnut-inspired design with a roller structure, allowing users to rotate while seated and enjoy a more interactive experience.

New Gerontech Living Pavilion targets the silver economy
To support the growing silver economy in Hong Kong, Home InStyle, with funding from the Innovation and Technology Commission, is launching the Gerontech Living Pavilion (Booth: HKCEC 5E-A08) at this year’s fair. The pavilion is divided into four areas – bedroom, living room, bathroom and games room – to showcase innovative gerontechnology products from over 10 local companies, including social robots, smart mobile toilets and smart walking sticks. The Hong Kong Housing Society Elderly Resources Centre is staging the Age-Friendly Home Living Lab and organising the Experiential Empathy Workshop that allows visitors to better understand the needs of the elderly (Booth: HKCEC 5E-A02). In addition, the Hong Kong Productivity Council introduces mixed-reality (MR) games that integrate hand-eye coordination with floral arrangements to stimulate muscular and brain functions (Booth: HKCEC 5E-A08).

Home InStyle and the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair will together host a seminar featuring a representative from Venture Global Limited, a developer of wireless elderly home care products, alongside a scholar from Lingnan University to discuss emerging trends in healthcare and the silver economy. The seminar will focus on the development of smart wearable technologies and innovative gerontechnology products, assessing strategies that can effectively meet the needs of the silver demographic.

NEXT@Fashion InStyle becomes the new focus
The 2025 edition of Fashion InStyle sees the launch of NEXT@ Fashion InStyle (NEXT), a new highlighted zone organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government. Thailand is the Strategic Partner of NEXT@Fashion InStyle, powered by the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) and The National Soft Power Development Committee who have brought some 30 Thai exhibitors to showcase fashion materials that blend Thai culture with sustainability and innovative technologies. In addition to Thai exhibitors, the NEXT zone has brought together more than 60 exhibitors from Mainland China, Europe, the Americas, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam, among others, presenting cutting-edge materials to create an international platform for shaping future fashion trends. Notably, the Hangzhou New Concept Fabric Creative Centre Textile Library has established an innovation hub within NEXT, featuring products that integrate traditional Chinese crafts such as Badu Linen Embroidery, beam printing and tie-dye techniques with advanced materials. (Booth: HKCEC 3F-G11)

The NEXT zone has facilitated collaborations between leading advanced material brands and five local designers, with Han Chong, founder of internationally acclaimed fashion brand Self-Portrait, joining as ambassador to share insights and mentor the designers. Participants include designer Jason Ying, a former intern at the Self-Portrait studio, who draws inspiration from vintage military uniforms to reimagine classics using innovative materials (Booth: HKCEC 3F-H16). Another designer, Kinyan Lam, employs Gambiered Canton Silk, a national intangible cultural heritage textile from Guangdong that goes back more than 1,000 years, leveraging its lightweight and soft texture to create streamlined silhouettes and flowing hemlines, blending cultural heritage with contemporary design (Booth: HKCEC 3F-H12).

Two packaging fairs highlight sustainability and luxury design

Jointly organised by the HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Limited, the 20th edition of the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and the concurrent DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong bring together a diverse range of printing and packaging solutions. The Green Printing & Packaging Solutions Zone at the Printing & Packaging Fair features innovative offerings, including gift bags from Vietnam’s Intbox Intelligent Packaging Corporation made from 100% recycled paper and biodegradable materials (Booth: AWE 3-G01), and Hong Kong’s Complacent Industrial (H.K.) Limited’s recycled yarn woven ribbons crafted from repurposed plastic bottles and other recycled plastics (Booth: AWE 3-E06). In the Packaging Services and Solutions Zone, Shanghai Forests Packaging Group Co., Ltd. exhibits eco-friendly paper bags and boxes made from recycled kraft paper and biodegradable coatings (Booth: AWE 6-C17).

DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, which focuses on premium packaging for fine wines, cosmetics and jewellery, also presents an array of sustainable packaging solutions. Hong Kong exhibitor Man Sang Envelope Manufacturing Factory Co Ltd features FSC-certified paper and meticulous craftsmanship in its advent calendar packaging boxes, seamlessly blending environmental sustainability with luxurious design (Booth: AWE 3-A06).

Industry seminars unlock new market opportunities
The April lifestyle events are featuring approximately 60 thematic seminars, buyer forums, product promotion and launch events and fashion parades, covering market analysis, cultural creative design, smart industry developments, the silver economy, health and wellness, and sustainability. At Home InStyle and the Gifts & Premium Fair, distinguished speakers will share insights on sustainable consumption trends in the gift and houseware markets and address issues such as how SMEs can navigate the European Union’s latest Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The speakers include Steven Baumgaertner, Chairman of the European Associations Cooperation, Steven Choi, Chief Operating Officer of the Green Council, and representatives from the Gold Award winner of the 4th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions (AEII), the Hong Kong Accreditation Service of the Innovation and Technology Commission, and TÜV Rheinland. Meanwhile, the Printing & Packaging Fair, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Digital Printing Association, will host a seminar featuring industry leaders such as William Ho, the Association’s Honorary Chairman, and representatives from Kanghong Digital Image (hk) Ltd. and eprint Group Limited, to explore how the printing industry can address the dual challenges of competitiveness and innovation.

Running concurrently with the five April trade fairs will be the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference, which start tomorrow and run for three days at the HKCEC.

EXHIBITION+ model extends business opportunities for participants
The HKTDC continues to employ its EXHIBITION+ online-offline integrated model for the fairs, allowing exhibitors to leverage the AI-powered Click2Match business matching platform, hktdc.com Sourcing platform and the Intelligence Hub to extend physical exhibition interactions onto online platforms. Buyers can use the Scan2Match function in the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitor and product showcase QR codes, record favourite exhibitors, browse product information and make enquiries, allowing discussions to continue online during and after the exhibition. Starting this month, the online promotion period for exhibitors will be extended to one year. For convenience, buyers can register on the HKTDC Marketplace App and download free eBadges for direct venue entry.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4jJYmie

Websites

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Home InStyle
Fraser Li	Tel: (852) 2584 4369	Email: fraser.li@hktdc.org
Fashion InStyle
Serena Cheung	Tel: (852) 2584 4272	Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.org
HK Gifts & Premium Fair, HK International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong
Winnie Kan	Tel: (852) 2584 4055	Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.org
HK International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference
Katy Wong	Tel: (852) 2584 4524	Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org

The Apipatana Foundation Donates S$50,000 to Support Lower-Income Students in Singapore

Supported by the Collective for a Stronger Society, this donation is doubled through the SG Gives Matching Grant, expanding its impact

The Apipatana Foundation has donated S$50,000 through the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS)’s donor-advised fund to support children from lower-income families in Singapore.

This donation qualifies for a 1-to-1 match under the SG Gives Matching Grant through the Collective for a Stronger Society (CSS) – a CFS-led initiative that consolidates resources to drive impactful social programmes.

These funds will fully support a year of operational costs for CATCH THEM YOUNG’s new KidsExcel+ programme, an afterschool initiative dedicated to primary school students from households earning a per capita monthly income of S$750 or less. By ensuring sustained access to quality educational and extracurricular support, this investment directly empowers children with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed for long-term success.

“I am honoured to support the KidsExcel+ programme with this inaugural donation,” said Thanit Apipatana, Founder, The Apipatana Foundation. “Many children face hurdles that go beyond the classroom, making it harder to stay on track academically. I look forward to seeing this programme support students in their studies and beyond.”

“Real change doesn’t happen on its own – it happens when people come together,” said Paul Tan, CEO, Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS). “We’re proud to support The Apipatana Foundation and Catch Them Young in their shared mission to uplift children’s lives. For 17 years, CFS has been a trusted partner, empowering givers like Thanit to fulfil their philanthropic purpose for good. We remain committed to advocating for a generous society and helping to build a more caring and inclusive Singapore for generations to come.”

The donations will benefit 650 participating lower-income students under the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) ComLink+ and the Ministry of Education’s Financial Assistance Scheme this year.

KidsExcel+ is an expanded version of the original KidsExcel programme, and following a successful pilot in 2024, it will fully replace the latter this year. The new programme has integrated a more holistic range of offerings to improve academic and socio-emotional development outcomes for its student intake.

The KidsExcel+ programme will run for 50 weeks every year, with weekly three-hour sessions that provide academic tutoring in English, Mathematics, and Science. Beyond the core curriculum, the programme incorporates team sports to help students develop confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills, with biannual sports camps offering additional opportunities to strengthen leadership and collaboration. Students will also have access to e-resource libraries, adaptive assessments, and Android tablets with mobile connectivity – tools that allow them to learn on their own.

“The generosity of our donors surpasses our expectations each year. We applaud their enthusiasm in seeing disadvantaged children succeed. According to the 2023 Household Expenditure Survey, lower-income families in Singapore spend nearly 4 times less on tuition than high-income families,” said Kevyn Sim, CEO, CATCH THEM YOUNG. “Donations like Mr Apipatana’s make it possible for us to help alleviate the burden on lower-income families by helping their children excel in school.”

The KidsExcel+ programme aims for 50% of participating children to improve their academic performance in at least one subject by 15%, and for 50% of them to achieve a higher Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) score after completing the 50 week long programme.

About The Apipatana Foundation
Established in November 2024, The Apipatana Foundation is a philanthropic initiative under the Community Foundation of Singapore, dedicated to funding education and community programmes that provide academic support, mentorship, and essential resources for underprivileged groups.

Established by Thanit Apipatana, a Bangkok-based entrepreneur, investor, and startup advisor, The Apipatana Foundation focuses on initiatives that create direct, measurable impact. Apipatana has invested in companies such as Singapore’s Mogul.sg and Thailand’s Life Below Labs, with a portfolio spanning venture building, real estate, F&B, and sports. He actively supports projects that improve access to education and strengthen social support systems.

About The Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS)
The Community Foundation of Singapore empowers individuals and organisations to fulfil their philanthropic giving with purpose and impact. Our vision is to nurture a generous society of caring, inclusive and thriving communities.

As specialists in Singapore’s philanthropic ecosystem, our dedicated team provides trusted guidance to help donors structure and optimise their giving based on their values and interests. We support a wide range of causes – from uplifting disadvantaged families and vulnerable children, to championing the arts, culture, and the environment.

To ensure every donation makes a meaningful difference, we uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and collaborate with over 400 charity partners to drive effective, measurable impact.

As at March 31, 2025, CFS has raised over S$344 million in donations, including legacy gifts, and disbursed over S$200 million to diverse charitable causes.

Visit www.cf.org.sg to learn more about what we do.

About CATCH THEM YOUNG and KidsExcel+
CATCH THEM YOUNG is a charity that supports children from disadvantaged profiles by trying to level the playing field. One of its key programmes is KidsExcel+, which is a sports and academic enrichment programme, comprising weekly sessions held over the year.

Partnering primary schools and social agencies, each year we support 500 children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Through regular, consistent engagement, we hope to achieve sustained academic and behavioural progress in our children. KidsExcel+ aims to develop resilient, confident children with positive learning attitudes.

For more details about the KidsExcel+ programme, please visit: https://www.cty.sg/kidsexcel

Melbourne’s Deputy Lord Mayor shares city’s path forward at PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) launch

The 8th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) has officially launched, opening entries for 2025 across expanded categories that showcase the finest of Australia’s thriving real estate markets, from Melbourne and Sydney to Brisbane and beyond.

This year’s Awards will shine a spotlight on innovative developments in both established hubs and Australia’s fastest-growing “cities of tomorrow.”

From Left to right: Karen Kong, Head of Property Lending, Bendigo Bank; Nathanael Kitingan, AMBC Victoria President & Managing Principal, Macpherson Kelley; Ivan Lam, Executive Director, International Business, Charter Keck Cramer; Kathy Johnson, Managing Director, Yarraport Group; Josh Chye, Partner & Head of Tax Consulting, HLB Mann Judd; Deputy Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell, City of Melbourne; Jules Kay, General Manager, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards & Events; and Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Melbourne Managing Partner, Moray & Agnew

The official launch announcement of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) was held on 9 April at the Melbourne Marriott Hotel during the “Asia Connect: Melbourne” event, with the Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Roshena Campbell, representing the City of Melbourne. The event was jointly organised by PropertyGuru Group and the Australia Malaysia Business Council (AMBC) in Victoria, with support from HLB Mann Judd and the Malaysian Developers Council of Australia (MDCA).

Deputy Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell, City of Melbourne

The Deputy Lord Mayor’s attendance underscored the role of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards in driving innovation, urban revitalisation, and cross-border investment in Australia’s real estate sector.

During her special address at the Asia Connect: Melbourne event, Deputy Lord Mayor Campbell shared the vision for the city’s path forward and strategic focus on long-term development and opportunities for its multicultural communities. She also highlighted the city’s important trade relationship with Asia, as well as the impact of international events such as the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards that promote Melbourne as a great place to invest, study or live, calling it the “destination of choice.”

Exceptional liveability

Deputy Lord Mayor Campbell said: “Melbourne’s exceptional liveability is a drawcard for both domestic and international investors—with world-class sporting, cultural, and dining experiences, lush parks and gardens, and leading education opportunities, it’s no surprise we’re Australia’s fastest-growing city.”

She added: “The City of Melbourne is backing quality development like never before—and we welcome bold, visionary minds to help shape the future of our city. Melbourne is built on smart design that reflects our unique identity. But great design is more than good looks. Every building can lift our quality of life, attract investment, and deliver better housing. Our Design Excellence Program and Design Review Panel help make that happen.”

The City of Melbourne proudly hosted the last two editions of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) ceremonies. In 2024, several leading real estate developers in the Australian market earned prestigious accolades, including OSK Property; BHC Property; FY Property, Kooringa Group, MA Financial, CPDM; Golden Sedayu; and Jean Yip Developments.

Asia Connect: Melbourne Panel Discussion

Asia Connect: Brisbane Panel Discussion

Other guests at Asia Connect: Melbourne included Bill Papastergiadis, OAM, Melbourne managing partner, Moray & Agnew; Karen Kong, head of property lending, Bendigo Bank; and Kathy Johnson, managing director, Yarraport Group.

From Left to right: Kiong Chan, CEO and Principal Trainer, Australian Leadership Skills Centre; Ivan Lam, Executive Director, International Business, Charter Keck Cramer; James Henderson, Managing Partner, Business Advisory, Tax Consulting, Brisbane, HLB Mann Judd; Shona Leppanen-Gibson, President, Australia Malaysia Business Council Qld; Josh Chye, Partner & Head of Tax Consulting , HLB Mann Judd; Jules Kay, General Manager, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards & Events; Peter Li, General Manager, Plus Agency; and Karl Fu, Partner – Asian Markets, Winning Commercial

Landmark expansion

In a landmark expansion, this year’s Awards programme was also launched at the Asia Connect: Brisbane event co-organised with HLB Mann Judd, the official supervisor. Held on 11 April at HLB’s headquarters in the Brisbane CBD, the presentation featured a panel discussion on the strengthening Brisbane property market. The speakers included Ivan Lam, chairperson of the judges, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia), and executive director for international business, Charter Keck Cramer; Josh Chye, partner and head of tax at HLB Mann Judd; James Henderson, managing partner for business advisory and tax consulting in Brisbane at HLB Mann Judd; Kiong Chan, CEO and principal trainer, Australian Leadership Skills Centre; and Shona Leppanen-Gibson, president of Australia Malaysia Business Council – Queensland.

Asia Connect: Brisbane speakers highlighted the infrastructure improvements and development happening in Queensland’s capital city as it prepares to host the 2032 Olympic Games. Other notable guests at the event were Tina Field, honorary consul of the Royal Thai Consulate, and Sheryll Gabutero, honorary consul of the Philippines Consulate Brisbane.

The annual black-tie gala dinner and presentation ceremony for the 2025 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) in September will take place in Sydney at the Shangri-La Sydney. Expecting participation from Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth, the Awards demonstrate a wider interest from developers across Australia’s key real estate markets.

Key dates for this year’s edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) are:

18 July 2025 – Entries Close
11-20 August 2025 – Site Inspections
22 August 2025 – Final Judging
19 September 2025 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Sydney, Australia
12 December 2025 – Regional Grand Final Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand

According to Property Report by PropertyGuru, the official magazine of the Awards, the underlying demand for Australian residential real estate remains robust, despite supply constraints in new residential listings. With stabilising interest rates, improving supply chains, and increasing suburban demand, experts remain cautiously optimistic about the long-term prospects of the market.

Jules Kay, General Manager, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards & Events

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “With Australian real estate commanding global interest, we are thrilled to unveil our 2025 awards to showcase world-class projects to discerning property seekers throughout Asia Pacific. Alongside Melbourne and Sydney, Brisbane is a worthy addition to our event schedule this year, as Australia’s property market continues to diversify with impressive growth beyond traditional urban hubs. We look forward to celebrating the ingenuity and innovation of developers from all key property destinations at our domestic and international galas later this year.”

International stage

The 8th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) are part of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, organised by PropertyGuru Group, Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company. First established in 2005 in Thailand, the series marks its 20th anniversary in 2025. Over the years, the Awards expanded to include Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, the Middle East, and Australia.

Winners of the Australia awards may qualify to compete at the 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final to be held in Bangkok, Thailand in December 2025. At the Grand Final, the best of the best from more than a dozen dynamic property markets in the Asia-Pacific region will compete on the international stage.

Josh Chye, Partner & Head of Tax Consulting, HLB Mann Judd, and Official Supervisor of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia)

An esteemed panel of independent judges, comprising experts across various real estate sectors, will inspect and evaluate the entries. The judging process will be supervised by HLB International Real Estate Group, the “2024 Network of the Year,” under Josh Chye of HLB Mann Judd.

Ivan Lam, Executive Director, International Business, Charter Keck Cramer, and Chairperson of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia)

Ivan Lam, chairperson of the judges, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia), said: “We proudly launch our awards’ eighth edition amid Australia’s suburban growth, driven by demand for residences beyond city centres—especially from buyers undeterred by market shifts. With new categories this year, we honour developers who have agilely adapted to market shifts, delivering designs and masterplans that meet the needs of diverse property seekers in Australia. With economic stability improving and pressures easing, we are optimistic about long-term investment in Australia’s property market. As more projects rise, we look forward to celebrating innovation and excellence that will define the future of Australian real estate, setting benchmarks for 2025 and beyond.”

The 8th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) are supported by official portal partner PropertyGuru; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; supporting associations Australia Malaysia Business Council (AMBC) and Malaysian Developers Council of Australia (MDCA); and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.

ABOUT PROPERTYGURU ASIA PROPERTY AWARDS:

PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, ethical, fair, and transparent.

In 2025, the Awards series is open to key property markets around the region. The exciting gala events welcome senior industry leaders and top media, as well as reach property agents and consumers via live streaming. Recognising excellence within each Asian market with a variety of categories, including green and sustainable development, each local awards programme will culminate in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which takes place after the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit during PropertyGuru Week in December 2025.

For more information, please visit AsiaPropertyAwards.com.

ABOUT PROPERTYGURU GROUP:

PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia’s leading1 PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 31 million property seekers2 to connect with over 50,000 agents monthly3 to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.1 million real estate listings4, in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 17 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its core markets.

For more information, please visit: PropertyGuruGroup.com; PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn.

(1) Based on SimilarWeb data between January 2024 and June 2024.
(2) Based on Google Analytics data between January 2024 and June 2024.
(3) Based on data between April 2024 and June 2024
(4) Based on data between January 2024 and June 2024.

PROPERTYGURU CONTACTS:

General Enquiries:
Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing Services
M: +66 92 954 4154
E: allan@propertyguru.com

Media & Partnerships:
Nate Dacua, Senior Manager, Media and Marketing Services
M: +66 92 701 2510
E: nate@propertyguru.com

Sales & Nominations:
Watcharaphon Chaisuk (Jeff), Solutions Manager
M: +66 95 797 0595
E: jeff@propertyguru.com

Sales & Nominations:
Monika Singh, Solutions Manager
M: +66 87 677 4812
E: monika@propertyguru.com

Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference Open Today

– Focusing on IP Opportunities, Driving Creative Innovation

– The Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) and Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) commence today for three days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
– Some 330 exhibitors from around the world, showcasing more than 600 brands and intellectual properties (IPs) will be attending HKILS
– ALC features nearly 20 international licensing industry experts to discuss the latest global licensing trends, sustainable licensing models, immersive art and technology applications, and IP innovations
– The event features more than 30 panda-themed IPs, with the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau and two Egyptian museums participating for the first time
-“Hong Kong Licensing Force” is a new exhibition zone showcasing design and IP projects from multiple Hong Kong universities.

The 22nd Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) and the 14th Asian Licensing Conference (ALC), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), commence today for three days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 330 exhibitors from around the world are showcasing more than 600 brands and intellectual properties (IPs) at HKILS. At the concurrent ALC, nearly 20 international licensing industry experts will explore key industry topics. Both these events foster cross-sector and cross-industry collaboration, enhance the commercial value of IP, and expand the IP trading ecosystem, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a regional IP and licensing trading hub.

Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director, said at the opening ceremony: “These two flagship events reflect the continued growth and vitality of the global licensing sector. Thanks to our world-class experience and talents, robust legal protections, proximity to growth markets and a new generation of consumers, Hong Kong is an established IP and licensing trading hub. HKILS provides a vibrant platform for the city’s emerging creative talents who are developing new IPs.”

ALC focuses on trending topics, including how classic character and cultural heritage IPs can preserve their original spirit while staying relevant. Ms Fong added that ALC will include the enduring stories of truly iconic and globally appealing characters such as the Peanuts gang and the Smurfs, and explore the potential of these IPs to further develop their reach and appeal in the ever-changing marketplace. The conference will also take a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of China and Egypt, two of the world’s most historic civilisations, and how such timeless IP create fresh connections and generate new experiences in today’s world.

HKILS and ALC welcomed Raistlin Lau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, as the guest of honour at the opening ceremony. Mr Lau remarked: “Brands and Intellectual Property has been proven as the cornerstone of the creative industry. The annual Hong Kong International Licensing Show is the flagship event in Asia that gathers global license sources and brand representatives in Hong Kong to explore infinite business opportunities with licensees, licensing agents and traders. In the three-day fair, among the 330 exhibitors are 43 Hong Kong emerging design companies which will showcase their licensable designs in Hong Kong Pavillion, which is one of the CreateSmart Initiative projects supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.”

Panda-themed IPs and museums and cultural institutions from the mainland at both events
Hong Kong’s pandas have welcomed local and international visitors, giving the local economy a significant boost. HKILS features over 30 panda-themed IPs, including Ocean Park Hong Kong’s panda family IP, featuring “Ying Ying”, “Le Le”, “Elder Sister”, and “Little Brother”. For the first time, HKILS welcomes the Egyptian Museum Cairo and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation.

The Mainland China Pavilion features over 30 museums and cultural institutions including Prince Kung’s Palace Museum and 14 prominent museums led by Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, including the Capital Museum, China, Confucian Temple and the Imperial College Museum and Natural History Museum of China, showcasing Beijing’s rich historical and cultural resources and continuously enhancing the internationalisation of its cultural and creative museums.

“Hong Kong Licensing Force” supports young talent
This year’s HKILS introduces the “Hong Kong Licensing Force”, aimed at nurturing original brands and IPs. The zone features 15 IPs from students at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, covering areas such as environmental protection, cultural conservation and social development. Through diverse media applications, including AR and VR experiences, these projects present the innovative thoughts of the new generation.

Another initiative supporting local creative design is the Design Licensing and Business (DLAB) Support Scheme, sponsored by the HKSAR Government’s Cultural and the Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) which returns to the Licensing Show with more than 40 local designers.

Classic IPs Reveal Strategies for Sustained Popularity
For ALC, Maarten Weck, Executive Vice President, Global Partnerships & Licensing of WildBrain and Tim Erickson, Executive Vice President, Peanuts Worldwide & WildBrain Brands, shared the sophisticated strategies that keep Peanuts popular and loved across generations during Snoopy’s 75th Anniversary: The Beagle that Captured Our Hearts. WildBrain is Peanuts IP owner.

Mr Weck said: “Brands are global, but executions need to be local. Consumers nowadays want to be surprised by diverse and different offerings, including brand collaborations. We need to think outside the box about which brands could benefit from working with you, and vice versa. That is something consumers really focus on.”

ALC hosted a China Opportunity sharing session, focusing on the potential and opportunities within the cultural industry on the mainland. In the China Opportunity (1) – Hong Kong’s Unique Position to Take Chinese Cultural IP Global session were Lichao Zhang, Chairman of Beijing National Library Innovative Cultural Relics Protection Technology and General Manager of Beijing National Library Innovative Cultural Service, Pan Wei, Deputy Director of Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum (Xiannongtan) and Gabriel Kwong, Ocean Park Hong Kong’s Panda IP Creator and Co-Founder of Air World Limited. During the session, the speakers analysed how Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super connector” in creating cultural symbols with both Chinese characteristics and international appeal, facilitating cultural exports. The conference also specially invited Wan Pin Chu, an erhuist and film composer for the Chinese animated blockbuster “Ne Zha ” as speaker.

ALC continues over the next two days with more exciting content, including a series of activities to deepen the understanding of ancient Egyptian civilisation and the commercial opportunities behind its IPs. Metavision Global Entertainment CEO Ethan Tang will join attendees tomorrow in the Licensing Academy II – The Future of Storytelling: How Technology Transforms Narrative in Immersive Art to experience VR and AR that bring new entertainment experiences and explore the development process of the VR immersive journey, “Horizon of Khufu”.

Dr. Ali Abdelhalim Ali, General Director of the Egyptian Museum, and Dr. Nashwa Gaber Mohamed, Deputy Executive Director of Archaeological Affairs at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, will participate in tomorrow’s Tapping into the Timeless Allure of Ancient Egypt: Licensing Opportunities with Museums, focusing on artifacts with potential and successful commercialisation cases, sharing how museums can expand from traditional souvenir shop models into new licensing domains.

Fabienne Gilles, Chief Commercial Officer of Peyo Company, and Marie Van Buggenhout, Senior Licensing Distribution Manager, will join tomorrow’s session, How to Mix Fun and Sustainability in a Smurfy Way. Representing the Smurfs, created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo (Pierre Culliford), they will share how the core values of the Smurfs can be harnessed to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices worldwide through the collaborations with the United Nations.

The Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference are held concurrently with five other lifestyle exhibitions organised by the HKTDC, including the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, creating opportunities for cross-industry exchange and collaboration.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4lJ8Z6J

Websites
Hong Kong International Licensing Show:
https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en

Asian Licensing Conference: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en/programme category=all&date=all

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

Media enquiries
For more information, please contact Raconteur:

Molisa Lau	Tel: (852) 6187 7786	Email: molisalau@raconteur.hk
Betsy Tse	Tel: (852) 9742 7338	Email: betsytse@raconteur.hk

The HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department:

Katy Wong

Tel: (852) 2584 4524

Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org

Philippines Job Market Records 11% Annual Growth Despite Recent Hiring Slowdown

Jobs platform, foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), today released the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) for the Philippines, highlighting a significant 11% annual growth in hiring activities, despite an 8% month-on-month decline in March 2025

The monthly hiring trends reflect seasonal hiring slowdowns post-year-end recruitment drives, budgetary realignments, and cautious hiring sentiment amid evolving economic conditions.

Commenting on the Philippines’ job market trends, V Suresh, CEO of foundit, stated, “The continued growth in hiring activity reflects the resilience of the Philippine job market and its steady economic recovery. Key sectors such as Hospitality & Travel, Logistics, and BFSI are driving this momentum. Despite short-term fluctuations, the overall outlook remains positive, with companies strategically focusing on roles that strengthen operational efficiency and enable long-term expansion.”

Hospitality & Travel Sector Drives Industry Hiring Growth; Education Sector Faces Challenges

The Hospitality & Travel sector emerged as the top-performing industry, reporting a 37% year-on-year hiring increase, driven by rising tourist arrivals, infrastructure investments, and supportive governmental policies aimed at bolstering tourism.

Logistics, Courier/Freight/Transportation, and Shipping sectors closely followed with 31% annual hiring growth, supported by investments in distribution centres and fleet management.

Conversely, the Education sector experienced a 13% year-on-year decline in hiring demand. Similarly, the IT and Telecom sectors recorded an 8% decrease, reflecting cautious employer sentiment amid global economic uncertainties and tech investment realignments.

Other sectors demonstrating strong hiring demand annually include BFSI (+13%), Healthcare (+12%), Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media, and Entertainment (+10%), and Engineering, Construction, and Real Estate (+7%). More modest growth was seen in BPO/ITES (+4%), Production/Manufacturing (+3%), Consumer Goods/FMCG (+2%), and Retail (+2%).

Purchase and Logistics Professionals in Highest Demand

From a functional perspective, Purchase/Logistics/Supply Chain roles lead the pack with 36% annual hiring surge, fuelled by expanding operations, supply chain efficiency demands, and significant investments in logistics infrastructure.

Sales & Business Development professionals saw 28% growth in demand, alongside Engineering/Production/Real Estate roles at 10%, driven by infrastructure projects and growing market opportunities.

However, Software, Hardware, and Telecom professionals experienced a 14% decline in recruitment demand year-on-year, indicative of cautious hiring amid shifting technological priorities and global economic concerns.

Moderate increases in hiring were observed for Medical Roles (+10%), Marketing & Communications (+9%), Hospitality Roles (+8%), HR & Admin (+7%), and Finance & Accounts (+6%). Customer Service roles remained stable with no significant annual change (0%).

The foundit Insights Tracker is a comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by jobs platform, foundit. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, the foundit Insights Tracker (FIT) presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.

Timeframe for the Report

The timeframe for the fit data is March 2024 to March 2025.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is Asia’s leading jobs and talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to its innovative AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation and interview preparation. foundit has connected over 120 million job seekers across 18 countries with the right job roles and upskilling opportunities.

Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has launched cutting-edge tools to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With its advanced technology, foundit is efficiently bridging the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies.

Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Namrata Sharma
Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
Contact number – +65 81383034